Patient Information - Retinoschisis

Retinoschisis
is the term given to a fairly common condition in which the peripheral
retina degenerates to form a cyst like cavity within the retinal layers.
In the vast majority of cases the cysts do not progress to a true retinal
detachment or involve central vision in any way. In the few cases where progression does occur to retinal detachment, surgery can be very challenging. Routine prophylactic laser or cryotherapy treatment is occasionally of benefit. The condition frequently affects the inferior retina in both
eyes and is not thought to be hereditary. It is usually picked up as an
asymptomatic finding during a visit to the opticians and is thought to
be commoner in long-sighted people.

The
pictures below show a schematic and clinical photo of retinoschisis, which
has developed holes in both the inner and outer retinal layers to form
a retinal detachment. Even in these cases progression to visual loss is
unusual.

Disclaimer
The
information provided in this website is intended as a useful aid to general
practitioners, optometrists and patients. It is impossible to diagnose and
treat patients adequately without a thorough eye examination by a qualified
ophthalmologist, optometrist or your general practitioner. Hopefully the
information will be of use prior to and following a consultation which
it supplements and does not replace.